Ford Ranger (2011 year). Manual — part 38

• Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall

tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.

How to use the engine block heater

Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.

Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.

Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events and the brake pedal may suddenly
travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is done and normal brake
operation resumes. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking
under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is
normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake
system.

Note: The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and
begin to drive away.

A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle

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!

BRAKE

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has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.

WARNING: The anti-lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping

distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of you to stop.

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.

ABS

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Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic

transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

Note: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Pull the release lever to release the
brake.

Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.

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ADVANCETRAC

姞 WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC姞)

STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system. The

AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system provides the following stability

enhancement features for certain driving situations:
• Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid

drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.

• Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids

or lateral slides

• Roll Stability Control™ (RSC威), which functions to help avoid a

vehicle roll-over.

WARNING: Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire

construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system. In addition, installing any

stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system. Install any aftermarket stereo

loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 sensors. Reducing the effectiveness

of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system could lead to an increased risk

of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

WARNING: Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a

vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system is an indication that

at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTrac

威 with RSC威 system

activates, SLOW DOWN.

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